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4 Defensive line combinations the Buffalo Bills could deploy in 2021

By Brandon Croce

Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) rushes Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) as offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) blocks in the first quarter of a game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2020; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) rushes Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) as offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) blocks in the first quarter of a game at Bills Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buffalo Bills
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Vernon Butler #94 of the Buffalo Bills rushes the quarterback against Ted Karras #67 of the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Goal Line

Defensive Ends: Mario Addison, Vernon Butler

Defensive Tackles: Star Lotulelei, Harrison Phillips

When the Buffalo Bills need to get big, either in short-yardage or goal line situations, they can run out a defensive line combination like this. One of the biggest changes is that Vernon Butler, who is typically a tackle, can slide out and set the edge as defensive end.

This is a position he actually played in his final season with the Carolina Panthers when they ran a 3-4 defense. This was his best season as a pro, finishing with six sacks and eight QB hits. However, in this combination he will be expected to set the edge and get to the ball carrier.

The other change is lining up Harrison Phillips alongside Star Lotulelei and while Phillips is more of a one-tech defensive tackle, he does have some explosiveness that allows him to get into the backfield. The combination of these two would give offensive lines a challenge in moving them to create running lanes to pick up those few yards.

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